Grand Velas Riviera Maya vs Hotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort
Velas Resorts vs Riu Hotels & Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.2 | 7.9 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 539 | 810 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 4 |
| Pools | 4 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | 2004 |
Features
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 15 | 9 |
| Included | 15 | 9 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 11 | 11 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Grand Velas Riviera Maya | Hotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 16 |
| Included | 17 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 2 |
Pros & Cons
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Pros
- Cocina de Autor is the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to earn both a MICHELIN star and AAA Five Diamond — included in the rate
- SE Spa with Forbes Five Stars, 90,000+ square feet, and 40+ treatment suites is one of the largest and most awarded resort spas in Mexico
- Three distinct ambiances mean guests in Zen Grand have a completely different resort experience from guests in Grand Class — useful for multi-room group bookings
- Tulum ruins are 15 minutes away and cenote tours are easy half-day excursions from this location
Cons
- Zen Grand suites are three-quarters of a mile from the beach — the shuttle runs frequently but beach access requires active planning
- Cocina de Autor and Piaf book up as far as 6 months in advance in peak season — call before arrival rather than assuming on-arrival booking
- Premium pricing at the top of the Riviera Maya all-inclusive market — the quality justifies it but the commitment is real
Hotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort
Pros
- Direct access to Grandes Playas — one of the Canary Islands' finest beaches — from a budget-tier all-inclusive
- Bus stop directly outside the hotel gives access to Corralejo town center and independent restaurants without a taxi
- Atlántico restaurant serves authentic Canarian food — papas arrugadas and mojo sauce in a setting that most international all-inclusives don't offer
- Single room category available — uncommon in all-inclusive resorts and useful for solo travelers avoiding the single supplement
Cons
- Last major renovation was 2004 — rooms are dated across the board, with the annexe bungalows being the most worn. Pest issues (ants, cockroaches) appear in enough reviews to be a real possibility
- 808 rooms across one main building and 24 annexes means the property sprawls — the annexe buildings are least convenient
- Pool provision (two main pools) is modest for 808 rooms
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort is the larger property, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers more activities.